I did not know much about Arizona before we left Israel. In a quick Google search I had seen deserts, cactuses and mountains. One of the women who worked with me in Israel at that time, told me that it was the most beautiful place in the world. To be honest? I was skeptical. She said that all the most beautiful and special national parks are there.
“What unique landscape you are going to see!! And the mountains, oh Nelly the mountains!! Real mountains – not mountains like the Arbel or the Gilboa – but huge mountains!” As an absolute patriot, I resented her for disrespecting the Israeli mountains, but I kept my mouth shut.
Another coworker, a few years ago was on a mission with her husband to Washington DC, listened to my worries sympathetically: moving to a foreign country, a country she knows well, I thought she could teach me a few things about the place. We sat together at the computer and she googled Arizona – the photos of Sedona appeared first and she was excited: “oh Nelly!! you’ll be close to Sedona!! What a place!! We were there twice and we wish to go there again!!” Sedona of course was not a disappointment.
Sedona is a small town with about 10,000 residents, and is a two- hour- drive from Phoenix.
The most common feature of Sedona is the view of the Red Mountains, which leaves Mount Arbel and Mount Gilboa way behind. Sedona is recognized as a spiritual location for healing and spiritual renewal.
There are countless walking or bicycles trails of breathtaking views, and even if you don’t like to walk or hike on foot, there are organized tours which will take you to see nature by a jeep.
You can also do some shopping in Sedona. The downtown has countless shops of souvenirs and unique objects (mostly handcrafted) that you will want to take home, as well as Indian jewelry with authentic and unique stones. Make sure to put a serious amount of money aside, because although the hotels and restaurants in the area are not expensive, the souvenirs are very costly.
If you drive to The Oak Creek, a serene area with countless trees, cabins and some restaurants, stop at Tlaquepaque. You know what- even if you did not plan to go in that direction, you should have a stop go there.
There are beautiful art galleries of local artists, Indian art, jewelry and restaurants that remind classical Europe a lot. Even if you made a mistake and arrived in Sedona at the peak of summer – in Tlaquepaque you will find a shelter from the hot sun under the oak trees that surround the entire area.
Not far from that magical place, that has name that sounds like a curse, there is a restaurant that I highly recommend: “The Hudson” – it’s a bit more expensive than other restaurants (salad will cost $ 17 instead of $ 11), but the dishes are bigger and the view is breathtaking.
Finally, Sedona is a starting point for other trips. Of course, it is 30 minutes from Flagstaff, two and a half hours from the Grand Canyon, half an hour from Prestcott, and for all the shopaholic – one hour from Phoenix’s outlet and if you really insist four and a half hours from Vegas.
Let’s be honest, I have convinced you to stop by Arizona when you are on your way to other places or even to travel there, haven’t I?
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